Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Spring isn’t far behind; it arrives on Sunday, March 20th.
Not a moment too soon. It’s also not a moment too soon to make plans to attend these fascinating events.
April Events at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in North Georgia
18th Century Market Faire
- Friday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA
Interact with living historians demonstrating life in 1790s Georgia. See craftsmen and women demonstrate their trade, frontier camps, native warriors, children’s activities and music in the 18th century. Children under 12 free. Thursday and Friday will be open free for school groups. Located at the fort. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Twilight Paddle
- Friday, April 1, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 2, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA
Come out to Fort Yargo to enjoy peaceful night out on Lake Marbury under the bright moon. Learn about the history of the fort while paddling with family. Pre-registration is required. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Wild Cave Tours
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in April
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Get muddy and wet on a family friendly underground adventure. Our guides will educate you on cave formations, bats, and geology while you have fun climbing and crawling your way through a wild cave. www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. Reservations required. $30-$60 plus $5 parking. 800-979-3370.
Sunset Point: Cloudland Canyon’s Hidden Gem
- Saturday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Take a short walk with the park naturalist to Sunset Point, Cloudland Canyon State Park’s best kept secret. Enjoy expansive views of Trenton, Lookout Valley, Sand Mountain, and more while the sky turns colorful at sunset. Meet at the West Rim Access Parking Lot. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Hidden Gem: A Walk Through Mining Industry
- Saturday, April 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville, GA
The hills of northwest Georgia use to be rich with mining operations in the 1960s and 1970s. Join a ranger led hike to the old marble mine and discover the history that lies in these hills. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.
Wildflower Hike
- Monday, April 4, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Take a walk through Sitton’s Gulch to observe the abundance of blooming wildflowers in our limestone rich soil. Using a checklist and identification books, we will identify and record many of the species in bloom. We will hike 1 mile on a flat trail by the river. Ages 10 and up. Advanced reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
Greasy Creek Falls Guided Hike
- Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Black Rock Mountain State Park – Mountain City, GA
This 3-hour guided hike will take guests through lush forest and rhododendron thickets to a remote creek and small waterfall. This is a moderate hike with some elevation gain and loss along the way. Appropriate clothing, foot wear, water and snacks are recommended. $5 parking. 706-746-2141.
Hike to Beaver Pond Overlook: Victoria Bryant’s Hidden Gem
- Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA
This ranger-led hike will take visitors to the very cool yet under-visited Beaver Pond observation deck. This quiet spot is a haven for wildlife and is one of the most beautiful places within the park. The hike will be 3 miles long, so bring walking shoes and plenty to drink. We will be meeting at the front gate. $5 parking. 706-245-6270.
Full Moon Lake Paddle
- Friday, April 22, 8:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah’s lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Turtle Creek Bike Ride
- Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA
Bring the whole family to ride this 1-mile beginner bike trail. The ride will be guided by a ranger stopping to look at cool things along the trail. Enjoy refreshments and games for those who do not want to ride. Meet at the Turtle Creek Trail across from the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
- Saturday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Enjoy a 1-mile hike that takes you down the stairs, across the suspension bridge and on the rim of the gorge under the full moon. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Cherokee Hidden Gems
- Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.
New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun, GA
Explore the lesser known natural side of this historic site with a ranger as we walk the Pond Overlook and New Town Creek Nature Trails. Geocache activities and wildlife, including birds and wildflowers of the Ridge and Valley Province of Georgia, will be the highlight. The site is also setting up an “Imagination Playground” from noon until 4 p.m., with a collection of giant blue building blocks for kids to build and create with. Bring your kids ages 4-12 to share in this interactive, transformable environment while you relax and enjoy the view at New Echota. $5.50-$7; under 5 free. 706-624-1321.
Clicks in the Night: a Batty Experience
- Saturday, April 30, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
New Echota Historic Site – Calhoun, GA
Bats are a necessary and cool part of our ecosystem. Build your own bat habitats to strengthen their population. Call to register. $5.50-$7. $10 per Bat Habitat. 706-624-1321.
Hidden Gems of Richard B. Russell State Park
- Saturday, April 30, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Richard B. Russell State Park – Elberton, GA
Our popular disc golf course and other popular park areas are home to what remains of past homesteads that visitors easily overlook. This naturalist-led hike will replay in living history how the families lived in previous centuries. An interactive demonstration garden is also planned for a site. Meet at the disc golf course parking area. $5 parking. 706-213-2045.
Click Here for Georgia State Park Events
